Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has reiterated that resolving farmers’ problems is the state government’s top priority and announced financial relief for farmers affected by banana crop damage in Burhanpur district.
Addressing the Balram Krishi Mahotsav organised in Burhanpur virtually from Ujjain, the Chief Minister transferred more than ₹107 crore in relief assistance directly into the bank accounts of over 8,000 farmers whose banana crops were damaged due to adverse weather conditions in May and June.
The relief amount has been provided to farmers affected by the natural calamity across 188 villages in Burhanpur Nagar, Burhanpur Rural, Nepanagar and Khaknar tehsils.
Over 8,000 Burhanpur Farmers Receive Crop Damage Relief
According to the state government, banana crops of 8,115 farmers were affected by adverse weather conditions in Burhanpur district.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the state government stands with farmers during the difficult period and will continue working until affected farmers are able to recover from their losses.
The relief assistance was transferred through a single-click mechanism directly into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
The Chief Minister said:
- Banana crops were damaged due to adverse weather in May and June.
- Farmers from 188 villages were affected.
- A total of 8,115 farmers have been identified as beneficiaries.
- More than ₹107 crore in relief assistance has been transferred directly to their accounts.
Dr. Yadav said the financial assistance would provide support to farmers facing difficulties due to the natural calamity.
Balram Krishi Mahotsav Focuses on Farmer Prosperity
The Chief Minister said the state government is working continuously to fulfil its commitment towards farmer welfare.
Under Krishak Kalyan Varsh 2026, the government is implementing several initiatives focused on farmers’ prosperity, dignity and welfare.
The state has prepared an action plan in collaboration with 16 departments to ensure that farmers benefit from various government schemes and services.
Balram Krishi Mahotsavs are being organised at the district level with the objective of improving farmers’ incomes and promoting agricultural development.
The campaign was initially launched from Indore, the land associated with Maa Ahilyabai Holkar.
At these agricultural festivals, farmers are being provided access to various services and facilities related to agriculture and allied sectors.
CM Urges Farmers to Adopt Modern and Sustainable Farming
Dr. Yadav encouraged farmers to adopt new technologies and explore alternative farming methods to increase their income.
He urged farmers to focus on:
- Modern agricultural technology.
- Natural farming.
- Organic farming.
- Horticultural crops.
- Crop diversification.
- Value addition and food processing.
The Chief Minister said agriculture provides raw materials for various industries and also creates employment opportunities for young people.
He stressed that farmers can improve their earnings by diversifying their crops and adopting modern techniques.
Banana Fibre Products Give Burhanpur Global Recognition
Highlighting Burhanpur’s agricultural potential, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the region is well known for its horticultural produce, particularly bananas, turmeric and cotton.
He said the district has also made significant progress in processing banana crops.
Banana fibre is now being used to manufacture:
- Textiles.
- Decorative products.
- Other value-added items.
These products are being sold through e-commerce platforms, helping give Burhanpur’s banana-based products a wider market and creating a new identity for the district in India and abroad.
The Chief Minister said the state’s diverse agricultural production is also reflected in the region’s broader economic activities, which include textiles, medicines, furniture and other manufacturing sectors.
Cotton Mandi Tax Reduced to Support Farmers
Dr. Yadav said the state government has reduced the mandi tax on cotton by half to support cotton growers and facilitate the development of the cotton and textile industry.
He said the demand for reducing the tax was first raised from Burhanpur district.
The Chief Minister also said instructions have been issued to reduce the mandi tax on cotton in Khandwa and Burhanpur from ₹1 to 50 paise.
The move is expected to benefit cotton-producing farmers and support the wider cotton-based economy.
He noted that cotton production supports both handloom and powerloom workers, strengthening the region’s textile sector.
Burhanpur Farmers to Benefit from Dhar PM MITRA Park
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said farmers from Burhanpur will also benefit from the PM MITRA Park in Dhar.
He said Burhanpur is gradually moving beyond the production of raw materials and is developing as a hub for:
- Processing.
- Value addition.
- Manufacturing.
- Exports.
The Chief Minister said the state’s efforts are aimed at creating better opportunities for farmers and strengthening the agricultural value chain.
Irrigation Projects Being Expanded in Burhanpur
Dr. Yadav said several irrigation projects are being implemented in Burhanpur district to expand the area under irrigation.
He said increasing irrigation coverage and ensuring that water reaches every farm remains a key commitment of the state government.
The Chief Minister also said the state government is working with Maharashtra on the Tapti Mega Recharge Project, which is expected to support water availability and irrigation-related development in the region.
Gwalior to Get Telecom Manufacturing Zone
The Chief Minister also highlighted the state’s efforts to promote investment and create employment opportunities.
He said an MoU would be signed in New Delhi between the Government of India and the Madhya Pradesh government to establish Gwalior as a manufacturing zone for the telecom sector.
The initiative is aimed at promoting investment and strengthening manufacturing activities while creating new employment opportunities for young people.
Dr. Yadav said the state government is committed to providing better employment opportunities to the youth and ensuring that farmers receive the right price for their agricultural produce.
Banana Fibre Rakhi to Be Sent to CM Mohan Yadav
During the virtual programme, former minister and MLA Archana Chitnis, who participated from Burhanpur, announced that a Rakhi made from banana fibre would be sent to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav from Burhanpur on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
The initiative highlights the growing use of banana fibre for innovative and value-added products in the district.
Dignitaries and Farmers Attend Burhanpur Event
The Balram Krishi Mahotsav in Burhanpur was attended by several public representatives, farmers and local residents.
Those present included:
- Tulsiram Silawat, Minister in charge of Burhanpur district.
- Dnyaneshwar Patil, Member of Parliament.
- Archana Chitnis, former minister and MLA.
- Madhuri Atul Patel, Mayor.
- Manoj Mane, District President.
- Sonali Pradeep Patel, President, Janpad Panchayat Burhanpur.
- Several other public representatives.
- A large number of farmers and local residents.
The programme highlighted the Madhya Pradesh government’s focus on farmer welfare, crop diversification, modern agriculture, irrigation, value addition and employment generation, while the direct transfer of relief funds provided immediate financial support to farmers affected by banana crop losses.
